\Re*lapse"\ (r?-l?ps"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Relapsed}
(-l?pst"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Relapsing}.] [L. relapsus, p. p.
of relabi to slip back, to relapse; pref. re- re- + labi to
fall, slip, slide. See {Lapse}.]
1. To slip or slide back, in a literal sense; to turn back.
   [Obs.] --Dryden.

2. To slide or turn back into a former state or practice; to
   fall back from some condition attained; -- generally in a
   bad sense, as from a state of convalescence or amended
   condition; as, to relapse into a stupor, into vice, or
   into barbarism; -- sometimes in a good sense; as, to
   relapse into slumber after being disturbed.

         That task performed, [preachers] relapse into
         themselves.                           --Cowper.

3. (Theol.) To fall from Christian faith into paganism,
   heresy, or unbelief; to backslide.

         They enter into the justified state, and so continue
         all along, unless they relapse.       --Waterland.

\Re*lapse"\, n. [For sense 2 cf. F. relaps. See
{Relapse}, v.]
1. A sliding or falling back, especially into a former bad
   state, either of body or morals; backsliding; the state of
   having fallen back.

         Alas! from what high hope to what relapse Unlooked
         for are we fallen!                    --Milton.

2. One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into error; a
   backslider; specifically, one who, after recanting error,
   returns to it again. [Obs.]